Rohit Sharma, who is recovering from a upper quadriceps tendon injury, feels his rehabilitation is going great and aims to make a comeback in the February-March Australia series

Rohit Sharma last played in a home ODI series against New Zealand.(Getty Images)

Rohit Sharma, currently going through a thorough rehabilitation program, on Saturday said he is striving to make his long-awaited return to the Indian cricket team in the upcoming big-ticket series against Australia.

Rohit was not a part of India’s Test, ODI and T20 triumphs against England, having undergone a thigh surgery in London after suffering an injury in the final One-day International against New Zealand last year.

“I am trying to make a comeback in the Australia series. That is the series I am eyeing. I am at the NCA (National Cricket Academy) right now and everybody is trying to help me out,” Rohit said.

The New Zealand series was the last time the flashy batsman was seen in action. The 29-year-old Mumbaikar, who holds the record for scoring two double tons in ODIs, said he was feeling better and was raring to go.

No different approach vs Aussies

The 24-year-old Rahul said the team will approach the Australia series on a confident note, having tasted success in recent times.

“The approach will be no different against Australia, as it was against England. We have been doing well in all formats and we are confident of continuing that in the series against Australia,” Rahul said.

Coming back to Rohit, he had hurt his thing in the final One-dayer against New Zealand while trying to complete a run.

Despite the injury, he kept batting and made a crucial 70 in India’s win, in the process aggravating his injury.

He had then undergone a successful surgery on his right upper quadriceps tendon with the recovery process keeping him out of action for a long period.

Rohit’s absence was felt in the recently-concluded limited overs series against England, with skipper Virat Kohli himself admitting that the opening combination looked shaky.

“If Rohit was in the side, there is no question he would be opening with Rahul. I have no urge to open, I play at three, I can play anywhere according to what the management thinks. You can’t ask someone to open if he has not done it in the past. It would be unfair on him,” Kohli had said recently.